PhD in Animal Sciences (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition and fees are determined by the Graduate School and vary by student status; refer to the Graduate School website for current rates..

This programme prepares students for careers in academic research, industry science, and government agencies focused on animal biology. Students conduct original research under a special committee of faculty from multiple departments. The programme emphasizes independent scientific inquiry and requires a dissertation based on experimental work. Training includes teaching, extension, and public outreach as part of professional development.

Focus areas include Animal nutrition, Animal science, Physiology of reproduction, Animal genetics, Animal genomics.

The programme requires a minimum of eight semesters and includes coursework determined by the student's special committee. Students must complete a dissertation and maintain enrollment in research courses each semester until graduation.

Graduates pursue roles as university faculty, research scientists in agricultural or biotechnology industries, and policy advisors in animal health and nutrition.

Applicants must have strong undergraduate preparation in animal sciences and related biological or physical sciences. The GRE general test is not accepted. Two recommendations and proof of English language proficiency are required.

In Person, Full-Time, Typically 4 to 5 years. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.